Tuesday, November 15, 2016

AUNTY'S MOON SHINE...

A SUPERMOON
Did you see that moon last night?

Accordng to the telegraph:
the most spectacular super moon since 1948 will light up the sky, appearing 14 per cent bigger and 30 per cent brighter than usual.
The event on Monday November 14 - described as "undeniably beautiful" by American space agency NASA - is the result of the moon coming closer to Earth than it has done for 69 years. Nothing will match it until the moon makes a similar approach on November 25 2034.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac Says:
Why is the November 2016 Moon the most interesting of the year—and perhaps the decade and even the century?
·       First, it’s a “Perigee” Moon—when the Moon reaches the point in its orbit that is nearest to Earth.
·       Even better, this Moon will be nearer to Earth than it’s been in 70 years. While the Moon won’t technically be getting any bigger, it will appear up to 14% larger than when it is at its furthest point.  
·       Further, the full Moon of November 14 is not only the closest full Moon of 2016 but also the closest full Moon in the 21st century and it won’t come this close to Earth again until November 25, 2034. Besides appearing large and bright in the sky, this extra-close Perigee Moon (or, Supermoon) will also have a more dramatic effect on the tides.

                  compliments of Sarah Furho wordpress                
                                                                       
Here at Ageless with Aunty, I say, this super sensational and utterly beautiful moon is simply Aunty lighting up the night sky. For those new to Ageless with Aunty, by all accounts she was the happiest and most loving person you can imagine. She has been my sole inspiration. This week, November 18th, is the five year anniversary of Aunty’s passing, and, she had a deep affinity for the moon. Aunty was mesmerized by the moon. She was connected to its force.  And, all her life she glowed as big and bright as the moon itself.

 I am always and eternally connected to her, but even more so when I look up at the moon with awe exactly like we always did while she held my hand. I certainly feel that as the moon on this magic night reaches closest to the earth, it’s really and truly Aunty reaching closer to me. She wants to be as close as she can to all of us who loved her. So put your Farmer’s Almanac away, and get out and catch a glimpse of Radiant Aunty’s love from above. I always knew her love was bigger than the universe! And, even five years after her passing she continues to find ways to speak to me. It’s just like she promised, “forever, and ever, and ever…amen.”
Ageless and Eternal Aunty (right)

Saturday, November 5, 2016

YOU WON'T FIND THIS ON THE NEWS....

The Ming man

Life is all about learning how to love! And, for many that is not so easy to do. It means we must step outside of ourselves and help to care for others in need. It means forgiving. It means patience. And it means rising to the greatest goodness of our highest selves.

As I write, someone very close to me is sick. They need a heart transplant. It doesn’t get much more serious than that. At first I was overwhelmed. And, called it a harrowing and daunting experience as I saw my precious Ming…in hospitals, ER rooms, needles and tubes poked in his neck, IV’s inserted, vast medical tests given every day, and living with the complete unknown given the diagnosis of heart failure to this extreme.

Then I realized this is a perfect opportunity to step outside myself and really and truly help this person that I love. As soon as I did slowly but surely things began to settle (if they can settle in a situation as unsettling as this). And, right then I decided to accept this with ease and grace. 
 Life can be tough. It is full of the unknown. Nothing is ever certain. Yet, I can be certain in myself and the love I was born to GIVE! Thich Nhat Hanh says we humans are beautiful flowers, we have the inner strength like a mountain, we can be still and as reflective like water, and we can allow space around us like the space around the moon which allows it to shine. And I would love to shine in my humanness, just like Aunty did who inspired this blog. Exactly like Ming does as he faces all this with courage and humility.

What helped me too was the goodness of others. I am touched by Ming’s caring friends who started a Go Fund Me Campaign.  It is as simple and as powerful as humans helping other humans in need period. You won’t find it on the news. But it’s real. It’s inspiring. And, YOU CAN READ IT HERE

Just remember, as tough as life can be LOVE is stronger, and, more lasting and even magical. It is miraculous. It is resilient. We are living proof of this. Look at all you have gone through in your own life.  And you are still here. You helped others and others helped you. It’s why we are here.

Ming is smiling today. When he read the Go Fund Me story that was posted in his honor he witnessed right before his eyes the vast goodness and compassion in his fellow human hearts, and, there were tears, but this time they were tears of joy! And, I dare say, that kindness, that love, that generosity, is helping to strengthen his stressed heart….This is a clear demonstration of us humans at our finest. And, as our Aunty would say, it’s wonderful!

Here is an opportunity to strengthen your own heart by giving. Consider passing this on and giving to the cause…. https://www.gofundme.com/waynes-open-heart-campaign


Karma is real….everything comes back to you!

Monday, September 5, 2016

ENDLESS, COLORFUL, SUMMER SPIRIT TO YOU...


FOR SOME OF US SUMMER NEVER ENDS...

I consider myself lucky. For me, summer never ends.

When you keep your heart light, and outlook sunny, you naturally keep
that wonderful summer feeling with you all year long (even if you are not at the Cotton Beach Club in Ibiza)!


It may be Labor Day, and, many people feel summer
is over. Well, I believe summer can and does linger on if you see it that way.

It's a stellar day outside here in New England today and I am headed for a BBQ.
I played my favorite summer tunes today on my walk and I smiled at everyone I passed on the path.
And, what is not summery about wearing your new sunglasses and listening to songs like Montego Bay, Mozambique, or Summertime ?

SOAKING IN AS MUCH SUMMER AS I CAN

Most of you who follow Ageless with Aunty know that 
summer is a state of mind and we've got it 365 days a year
right in our back pocket!

HAPPY EXTENDED SUMMER TO YOU AND YOURS...
 I hope you  
keep your own summer spirit alive for as long as possible.

Sunday, July 24, 2016

FAN ON THE RUN.....

The One and Only Sir Paul

Yes, I do love Paul McCartney!
And Yes, I always will....

The highlight of my summer of 2016 is most indubitably seeing Paul McCartney play at Fenway Park last Sunday night.

My friend and I got the last two seats only an hour before show time. After praying, lighting candles, crossing fingers and practically holding my breath, I went up to the ticket window and they said they had  just two seats left. If you follow this blog you know my ticket angels never let me down.

I was so freaking happy to be there and see Paul again. I am glad to say I have been able to find a way to attend every Boston show he's played. Ever since Aunty and Uncle D took me to see the Beatles when I was a very young girl, I have been a super fan of George, Paul, Ringo, and John's! And my passion for Paul and the Beatles and appreciation of the music has actually grown over the years. I am more of a fan now then I ever was.

Once we got to our seats, out of the blue my friend took me for a stroll a few minutes before the show and we ended up in a fabulous section on the field closer to the front.  I was so excited I couldn't even sit down. I actually had a case of Beatlemania. Having lived through it and seeing women dropping like flies at the Beatles show decades ago, I still get this outer body kind of sensational feeling like I can fly whenever I see Paul McCartney! It's the greatest feeling in the world. Having listened to his music for ALL of my life...it's incredible to be there seeing him and hearing him live!
Paul admires his fans at Fenway

When I hear him play songs like Band on the Run, I got a Feeling, Let me Roll it ...and Baby you can Drive My Car, The Night Before, I've just Seen a face (and I could go on and on...) ..well, I literally leap for joy. No kidding. My spirit soars and I can not stay in my seat. It's this incredible natural high and I am as happy as a human can be!
I was having so much fun leaping through the crowds that security actually put a person in front of me to keep me as close to my seat as possible. And here she is...

With tens of thousands of screaming fans in the stadium eventually she went to another area and I twisted and shouted the rest of the evening entertaining my entire section. The woman next to me said "Don't worry, I'm a lawyer. I'll represent you!"
Fan on the Run...

I'ts really too bad there isn't a video of me dancing in full glory, and carrying on the way I did. I think it would be very funny to watch. But, I was simply transfixed on the music and so in and into the moment I just didn't stop to ask anyone to film me.  (if anyone did please let me know)!!!
I was just lucky to be there.  And, even luckier to get the last two tickets! Remember, I wasn't even supposed to be in that section.

Just another day in the life. Maybe next time I will come in through the bathroom window...
Whatever it takes to be near a Beatle!!! And, for the last few moments of the show I made a mad dash closer to the stage. And, being that close to Paul McCartney, like I was recently to Ringo (see post from October 2015) represented something significant to me. I heard that voice inside saying you are getting closer to your dream....

Stay tuned. I really am.... 
I predict one day soon I will put my product in the hands of
Sir Paul himself!



Thursday, July 14, 2016

YOUNG LOVE NEVER GETS OLD

Niece Madison and her Beau Z


Summer is in full swing and as I look around right in my own family I see so much love.
And that is what I focus on. Because what we focus on expands!!!!

Niece Jesse with Hubby 

Aunty's great granddaughter  (my niece) Jeana Renee is in love with John and vice versa!


And Jeana's late Grandmother, Jeanie (Auntys daughter) was in love with Joe! They went to prom and then got married!
Aunty's living room circa 1956

It's summer time, who do you LOVE?!!!

Sunday, July 3, 2016

MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU!

We want YOU to have a HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

LONG LIVE THE RED WHITE and BLUE!


Sunday, June 19, 2016

LET'S HEAR IT FOR THE GIRLS...

What does Success Look Like to You?


Listen up all your Shark-ettes out there….
This is preparation #1 For REAL LIFE Shark Tank!

The center for Women & Enterprise is a fantastic organization that helps women (and men too) get comfortable with starting a business. They can help teach you all you need to know about business planning, marketing, organizing, selling, raising capital and much more. According to their website you simply need just the idea and the ambition. AT CWE they say: Connect, Learn, Succeed!

My first course with them was two years ago and it was called Visioning. It was so helpful to see your vision, your own picture of success drawn out so clearly on an enormous sheet of paper up on a big board. Right before your eyes you could see the dream blossoming. That is just the first step. Once you have a clear goal they are well equipped to help you get there. They have courses in everything from Business Structure, to Accelerating your Business. They can help with Legal Structure, Name Choice, Putting a Brochure together, and even have a class that asks Is Entrepreneurship Right for You?

Here I am above with Edwidge LaFleur, the Program Manager – CWE – Boston. Along with Madeleine Lutts, she can help answer any questions you may have. They are extremely welcoming and supportive. I already feel like a winner!
If you have a business dream of your own, no matter how BIG or small, and don’t know exactly where, or even how to begin, a great first step would be contacting CWE. They have offices in Boston, Central and Eastern Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and online.

With all the information available on the internet, and places like Center for Women & Enterprise, there really is no excuse for not bringing your business idea to life, or, making your current business better. Sure, there is a lot of hard work involved, but, with the people, resources, and support at Center for Women & Enterprise; it’s a lot easier than you may think. Sometimes the first step is the hardest. So, I urge any potential entrepreneurs out there, simply click this link. Your dreams just got a lot closer. www.cweonline.org

I am currently immersed in one of their more in depth courses and let me tell you; before you know it you might just see me on Shark-ette Tank….. Come on take the plunge….. There is room for all of us. I don’t want to be lonely at the top!!! www.cweonline.org






Saturday, June 4, 2016

THE LIFE OF LUCA...

He Gets Carried around in a Basket
(with His Name on it no less)

Gets to Dress in Costume

Easily Handles the Ups and Downs of Life 


Gets His Food Delivered
 (in the shape of his favorite characters)

Has the Time to Sit and  PONDER THE MEANING 
OF LIFE..

He's got two Loving and Adoring Parents

And a New Baby Brother....

Ahh, how I envy the Life of Luca!
And, his Tepee full of Presents...


This post is dedicated to Luca's Grand Ma-mere,
my Dear Friend Trish!
LOVE YOU CHICKEN

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

HAVE YOU BEEN TO FRUITLANDS...

HANGING OUT AT FRUITLANDS 

Have you been to a Museum lately? Well, what are you waiting for? There is obviously a great deal of strife and unrest in the world. And, whether we realize it or not, on some levels, obvious or not, that affects us! Why not balance things off with some of the beauty and splendor, and the myriad works of art gracing THIS BIG BEAUTIFUL WORLD?!!!

I recommend Fruitlands museum in Harvard, Massachusetts, which is off the beaten path and a wonderful hideaway. According to their website: Fruitlands Museum is home to five collections on 210 majestic acres of meadows and woods. When you visit Fruitlands you can go on a hike and commune with nature, learn about the lives of the Transcendentalists, Shakers, the Hudson River School and Native Americans, sit in the Art Museum among the treasures or be inspired by contemporary exhibits and outdoor sculpture. Fruitlands is a unique gathering place that builds connections between nature, people and culture by offering engaging programs and exhibits.
www.fruitlands.org

with family at Fruitlands

Becoming part of the scene 

Another favorite museum in New England is the Peabody Essex! The PEM ALWAYS hosts the most AMAZING and Whimsical events. There I have seen Artful tea pots collected from all over the world, an enchanting and alluring wedding gown exhibition, and, the Irreverent Rare Bird of Fashion show. I wore faux Peacock feathers for the occasion.
Enjoying Iris Apfel's flair and panache at the PEM

The PEM's CEO says: There are many reasons to come to PEM. Sometimes, looking at a work of art with someone special by your side is all the motivation you need. Sitting in the light-filled Atrium, having lunch outside in the Garden Restaurant, watching the expression on a child's face as she makes a collage — each experience is worth the trip. PEM is the place to come for enjoyment, enrichment, sharing with family and friends, and creative stimulation. 

We gain exciting insights about ourselves and other cultures through special exhibitions, weekend festivals and family art-making programs. You are vital to the equation. Your experiences shape the art you look at and the performances you watch, making them more meaningful and transformative. PEM continues to touch lives and to make a difference.

Dan L. Monroe
The Rose-Marie and Eijk van Otterloo Director and CEO 

www.pem.org
Outside the PEM in SALEM

Many of my friends LOVE the MUSEUM of Fine ARTS in Boston,
MFA!  I have been invited their twice in the last two months. There is so much to see. I highly recommend you go, and invigorate your soul and psyche! Or simply enjoy and appreciate their offerings.

Here I am with a dear friend in front of an enormous reproduction of Japanese Master, Katsushika Hokusai's, the GREAT WAVE.

 From the Ancient World to Contemporary they've got your ART covered. www.MFA.org

All these wonderful museums have tremendous gift shops too....
And, soon my product may be gracing some of them. Stay tuned!

As I continue to celebrate my birthday this month, next stop the Isabella Stewart GARDNER Museum for the highly anticipated OFF THE Wall. www.gardnermuseum.org

  Museums deepen and enrich our lives. They are engaging and educational. They color our world!
Expand your horizons....
To find one near you try the Official Museum Directory.

If you see Whistlers Mother, tell her Aunty sent you!

Friday, April 15, 2016

TODAY IS SOMEONE'S BIRTHDAY!!!


Wow! This is incredible....My Birthday is May 3 and already gifts have been showing up at my door.
All I can say is what a treat. These UTTERLY FAB GIFTS are so wonderful, and, have made me so happy I have to SHARE THEM WITH YOU! And, hopefully you will share them with others on their Birthday. Because every day is a special day for someone!

In no special order because each gift touched my heart: The Beatleness Book is utterly sublime!
As a life long Beatles Fan, I was interviewed for this book. And Candy, the Author, even thanks me in the acknowledgments. I simply can not wait to read it. She got me with the cover! www.beatleness.com

Poldark!!!!!! If you haven't seen  this incredible PBS Masterpiece Series yet, I beg you, PLEASE DO! In all of my life I have not seen a finer show. Yes, it's equal to my other favorite Downton Abbey!
This sublime series will hook you in the first five minutes. As busy as I am, I have already watched it twice through. Need I say more? Oh yes, Swooning is required! And I look forward to watching it a third time, and, owning my own copy soon. This one was lent to me as an early gift.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/programs/poldark/

NO birthday celebration of mine would be complete without some fine tea and coffee. New England Coffee didn't let me down. They just sent me a package of their Birthday Cake Coffee. And I could tell simply by the intoxicating aroma it would be incredibly yummy. You have to give this to someone on your coffee lover's list. It's a perfect Birthday gift. I am drinking some now....
www.newenglandcoffee.com

And, last but not least, MAYA GOURMET BAKLAVA! Quite frankly, her pastry is so delicious I don't even know how to describe it. All I can say is I received three boxes today and only one is left. I shared some with a friend, and I indulged in the other. Now I am going for a ten mile walk. But, it was well worth it. For those with discipline, they come in little serving size pieces. www.mayagourmet.com
Happy Birthday to everyone celebrating a birthday today, tomorrow, and every day this year...

Saturday, April 2, 2016

WHAT A TREAT!


 This past Thursday evening my kind and wonderful sister, Pam, invited me to The Grand Tasting Event sponsored by North Shore Magazine. What a treat! I have been working real hard gearing up for real life Shark Tank, because this Entrepreneur smells success.

We were excited to try all the culinary delights literally against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean! The venue took place at the Sea Glass restaurant in Salisbury Mass. I was happy to have a long and overdue night out with my sister. And, what fun we had. When we walked into the enormous room overlooking the sea we were handed the Best Prosecco (Italian Sparkling Wine) we have had…. Gambino Prosecco! I can assure you, if you like Champagne, you will LOVE this. It’s the Prosecco you can’t refuse! It’s like everything you love most in the world liquidizing into one sparkling glass…bubbly, chilled, and fabulous! Salude!

My sis and I walked around feasting on lobster rolls (I wish I could remember the vendor because they sure were extra yummy). We grabbed bunches of shrimp and scallops from Woodman’s of Essex. Seafood doesn’t get any better!  We passed the Davio’s Restaurant table and we just couldn’t say no to their Lobster Risotto.  While I was swooning over my second serving (one was not enough) Pam sampled this new Rum made in Ipswich of all places. It’s called Privateer. It was an instant hit. We highly recommend this sublime and historic brew made with a great deal of integrity right here in New England. May I suggest you try it with mint and blueberries because summer will soon be here...

The food offerings were generous and endless. We had only hit one side of the room but we were already full! We could only admire the homemade asparagus soup, the fresh sushi, the tenderloin, and spicy soft tacos!
After a fit of laughing, like sisters often do, and usually over nothing that is all that funny, just the joy of being together and the history we share, we headed for the desserts. I was eager, but, Pam had to be prodded a bit. Eventually she followed me into the dessert room (yes an entire room of some of the best desserts I have ever had). I spotted the really good Red Velvet Whoopi Pies, but, it was Pam who discovered the 24k gold salted caramels from The Candy Dish. Only three letters can describe the latter, OMG! Truly top notch chocolates. 

Then, that little Renee inside of me gravitated towards Bellavella Handcrafted Cookies. I just stood there coveting all the cakes and cookies.  I felt like a child in a candy store surrounded by so many pretty and irresistible baked goodies. What’s not to love?

When I thought I had had enough, I decided to take a tiny bite of the Maya Gourmet Baklava! This was undoubtedly the finest Greek pasty I have had! Please get some now. Just ask for it at your grocer. It’s my new favorite. Maya Gourmet goes perfectly with the Gambino Prosecco. And, that was our last stop. Back to the delicious and refreshing Italian sparkling wine. We raised our glasses and promised not to eat as much for the rest of the week, or maybe two!


If you hear of any Grand Tasting Events in your area, check them out. It’s really a fun way to share an evening and try new things. And, often part of the proceeds are donated to worthy charities.